Silent Tears

Within The Brothel Walls

The neighborhood of around a hundred of buildings with more than 800 small rooms is one of the 14 official brothels of Bangladesh but is in essence a prison for around 900 sex workers. The young sex workers of this brothel must serve at least 10-15 customers each day. Being a “Chukri’ or bonded girl, they are bound to follow the orders of their Sardarni (House owners, who were prostitute before and purchase girls to run their business).

It is common practice among sex workers of Kandapara brothel in Tangail to take steroids like Oradexon — a steroid used by farmers to fatten their cattle — in order to gain weight and appear “healthier” and more attractive to clients. The drug can be found in any tea or cigarette stall around the brothel. No one needs any prescription to buy Oradexon.

According to research by ActionAid sex workers between 18-25 years of age are most prone to taking the drug Oradexon as they need to attract clients and entertain them in the way their competition does. The drug’s side effects include headaches, chest pains, skin rashes, gastric, swelling of the body, stomachaches, high blood sugar and pressure.